Do you speak Green?

What does Green mean to you? Some think of Green as being just a color obtained by mixing yellow and blue While use of the word causes others to think of St. Patrick's Day, money, springtime, good health, renewal and sustainability.

Recently our focus has shifted to the continuing surge for energy prices impacting us all... And to counter an ever increasing global demand for oil and subsequent surge in prices, Americans must learn to speak and think green if we're to break free of the yoke of bondage and our dependence on unfriendly and unstable oil producing countries that threaten our sovereignty and way of life.

To get started in learning Green Speak, here are some key Eco-Friendly terms for us to consider and become familiar with...

SUSTAINABLE refers to meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This involves using, re-using, and conserving natural resources to do the least harm to the natural environment. It's now used almost interchangeably with "green" and "Eco-Friendly."

LEED an abbreviation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED rating system was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is the standard for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. LEED started in the commercial building sector, and a rating system for residential construction is in the works. Architects and builders often refer to themselves as LEED AP; the AP stands for Accredited Professional. This means they have passed the LEED exam and are well-versed in the program's standards.

SOLAR PV stands for Solar Photovoltaic, which are the panels used to create electricity. PV cells are comprised of semi-conductors, most often made of silicon, which convert sun power into electricity. These are different from (and more expensive than) solar water-heating systems. A solar water-heating system is fairly simple with the solar panels typically installed on a roof. The sun then heats the panels; the solar collectors heat a fluid in pipes held in the interior of the panel boxes, and the fluid is transported into the house where it heats water in a storage tank.

GEOTHERMAL uses heat from the earth to generate electricity. This is a clean, renewable power source. Geothermal energy is harnessed with a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) to tap the stored energy beneath the planet's surface. These pumps can be used to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for residential and commercial buildings.

NATIVE LANDSCAPE plants indigenous to your area means they're better adapted to the local climate, use appropriate amounts of water, resist local pests, and provide food for area wildlife.

FSC-CERTIFIED WOOD a key component of green building is using sustainable wood. Quickly renewable woods like bamboo are inherently sustainable. In selecting other types of hardwoods, it's important that the wood be grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) maintains standards and certifies woods for sustainability.

RUNOFF waste water that flows from our gardens, lawns, driveways, and streets into our sewer systems carries various pollutants, including fertilizers and pesticides from our yards. The water eventually travels into rivers and oceans where they degrade water quality for humans and animals. To reduce runoff, home owners can make sure they don't over-water their lawns or accidentally water their sidewalks and driveways. Permeable stone pavers in driveways also help curb runoff.

VOC An abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs are emitted as gases from various solids and liquids like wall paint, furniture, and household cleaning supplies. Many chemicals are harmful to human health; some are carcinogenic. But no- or low-VOC products now available represent good non-toxic replacements.

We hope you will join us in becoming better stewards of all we're blessed with and will want to learn and do more in conserving resources, not just for our generation, but for our children and the future of our nation. 

Thanks in advance!
With our highest regard,                                                           

Wayne and Lynda Gomillion
"The Pinehurst Home Team"

"The friendship and referrals of those we serve is the foundation of our success." 

Member of the Real Estate Intelligence Network

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